Become an Apprentice Trainer
”Choose a career you love and you will never work a day in your life.“
BASIC INFORMATION
Position: Apprentice Trainer
Reports to: Good Dog's Lead Trainer
Time Commitment & Position Type:
The total commitment is approximately 36 months, divided into three distinct phases:
VOLUNTEER with monthly stipend to offset expenses
• First puppy: ~12 months
Contract Position with Tiered Pay
• Second puppy: ~12 months
• Finishing dog (advanced training): ~12 months
These phases can be completed back-to-back or with breaks in between, depending on your availability and our program’s needs. We’ll work with you to find the right fit and pacing!
Location: Reside in one of the following states: CA, NV, TX, WA, OR, ID, UT, CO, AZ, NM, TX, or NE - a well populated city.
BENEFITS, DUTIES & REQUIREMENTS
Benefits
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Acquire skills, knowledge and experience needed to be a Good Dog! service dog trainer
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Become a member of our team where trainers collaborate, give advice and ask questions on all things related to service dog training
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Work from home with the option of travel
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Provided with all training supplies and a monthly stipend to cover care & training costs
Duties Include
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Raise and train a puppy to become a service dog with the oversight of our Dog Trainining Manager
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Responsible for board and care, training, socializing and de-sensitizing of a puppy
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Reporting: attend weekly calls with our Dog Training Manager, submit videos of progress and fill out a training log
Minimum Requirements
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One of the following is required:
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Professional dog training experience
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from Bergin University of Canine Studies
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Experience raising multiple puppies with a service or guide dog organization
Additional Requirements
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Must have the time and lifestyle to train and accompany the pup daily
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Must create regular opportunities for the pup to engage with children
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Reliable internet access and a device with video capabilities
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Comfortable with virtual communication (phone, email, video calls)
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No dogs under age 2 or children under age 6 in the home
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Must have been in your current job or educational program for at least 3 months before applying
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Must follow ADI standards and use positive-only reinforcement methods
Location
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Currently accepting applicants in CA, NV, TX, WA, OR, ID, UT, CO, AZ, NM, NE — must live in or near a well-populated city.
Apprentice trainers that successfully complete the requirements of the Good Dog! Service Canines apprentice trainer program may be selected to become paid trainers with Good Dog! Service Canines. Successfully attending and completing this apprentice trainer program does not signify that the attendee is a service/assistance dog trainer or qualified to train and/or place service/assistance dogs. Assistance Dogs International has specific standards that an individual must meet in order to be an assistance dog trainer – and taking part in this class does not meet these requirements.